I got the RH side done but had to quit due to daylight starting to run short. That's fine, it's supposed to be clear again tomorrow, just a bit warmer and more humid.
Before I noticed the screwed up brake shoes, I had installed the new self adjuster screw, lever, and spring. I didn't see that it was clicking ANY when I was playing with the parking brake arm with the bad Centric brake shoes even with that new hardware. In fact it was almost purposely trying not to work.
Check it out with the Brake Best shoes from O'Reilly. The video starts with a static pic of the assembly with the BestBrake shoes for 5 secs, then cuts to video:
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Yep, that's working properly. In theory, it should also work under hydraulic braking.
I'm gonna send pics to Centric of the shoes once I get the other pair off, and claim warranty on them. Maybe they'll send me a replacement set at no cost that I can keep for spares or sell or whatever.
I adjusted the star wheel a bit after I put the drum on (but before the axle shaft was installed) so it's pretty good now, I feel. Not too tight, not too loose. That brake resetting caliper tool did help a lot for getting it ballpark close. Was it worth $25? Maybe not, but I did notice something with the Centric shoes thanks to it, it seemed like they were wider on the outside edge than they were on the inside, but they don't look to be. So it's like they weren't sitting on the backing plate properly. Another flaw in the design? I didn't notice that with the BestBrake ones. So yeah, I'm never buying brake shoes/pads online again. I'll buy the cheapest ones with a lifetime warranty instead before I buy cheaper online priced "severe duty" ones.